IP Camera solution for Cambridgeshire Schools Explained

Why Cambridgeshire Schools should choose an IP Camera Solution over analogue CCTV
Leonard Veenendaal Technical Services Manager Leon Cripps & Dave Ager Implementation Team ICT Technical Services June 2007 1.9

Produced By: Reviewed By: Team: Date: Version

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Contents About this publication ................................................................................................. 3 What are IP Cameras? ................................................................................................. 4 What are the advantages of an IP Camera system ........................................................ 4 Network camera: Advantages over an analogue camera-based system ......................... 5 What is the difference between a web camera and an IP camera? ................................. 6 How much bandwidth does an IP Camera need? .......................................................... 7 Explaining Power over Ethernet and how does it save me money? ............................... 7 What is the recommended software to use with your IP camera solution? .................... 7 IP Cameras in the CCN environment ........................................................................... 8 Summary of IP Camera systems vs. a CCTV system ................................................... 9 Useful contact information .......................................................................................... 9

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About this publication

In this publication you will find:

1. Reasons why you should consider cameras on your network. 2. What is the difference between a CCTV and an IP Camera system 3. How versatile IP Cameras are compared to old style CCTV 4. How you can start with just one camera and upgrade. 5. What is the difference between a web camera and an IP camera? 6. How much bandwidth does an IP Camera need? 7. What is the recommended software to use with your IP camera solution? 8. IP Cameras in the CCN environment: Cameras used to monitor the school campus for security and cameras used for Curriculum purposes 9. Summary of IP Camera systems vs. a CCTV system 10. What is POE and how can it save you money?

It is a proven fact that when a camera system is installed in a school, vandalism is greatly reduced.

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What are IP Cameras?

IP is an abbreviation for Internet Protocol, the most common protocol for communication over computer networks and the Internet. IP Camera is a camera that creates digitised video streams and transfers via a wired or wireless IP network, enabling monitoring and video recording as far away as the network reaches. In other words, using an IP camera can save a lot of money on installation since most facilities are already wired with LAN cables. Wiring coaxial cables is the major expense when implementing analogue cameras. Also, it allows users to have a camera at one location while viewing live video at another location over the network / Internet. Firstly lets clear up one of those word association problems Close Circuit TeleVision is like the word Hoover which covers all vacuum cleaners. CCTV suppliers often claim that IP Cameras are just a digital format and a more expensive form of CCTV. This is far from the truth, as you will see when you compare the two systems on the information sheet: Advantages over an analogue (CCTV) camera-based system. It is fair to say that if you compare old style CCTV with the Digital version taking into consideration all the facts, there is one that quite quickly comes to mind and that is while Digital (IP) is on the increase, analogue CCTV is not so popular or versatile and will be replaced by Digital (IP) in the future. Subject to the age of the cameras (If the camera is a Pan/Tilt/Zoom) in most instances analogue CCTV systems can be upgraded without discarding any of the original system. One of the concerns in the market place is the tendency to make do by replacing a section of the CCTV system with, for example, a digital recorder or a piece of software specifically written to suit old style CCTV. This might address the problem in the short term but does not lend itself to scalability utilising the CCN network infrastructure. HM Courts prefer digital recordings to those from a CCTV system.

What are the advantages of an IP Camera system?

It is scalable in that it can be grown from one camera to as many as you require, including multiple sites. Its flexibility allows it to utilise the CCN infrastructure. As CCN systems become more developed, opens up the possibility of viewing Camera output across a secure connection within the school, from police monitoring stations and other authorities monitoring facilities. IP Cameras offer further advantages other than just security in the learning environment, for example monitoring life in a Hedgehog box, bird box, playgroup sandbox and monitoring classroom activity.

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Network camera: Advantages over an analogue camera-based system

Network camera-based system

Analogue camera-based system

Network camera-based system Access Can be open access (securely) or closed access as required. Remote access to live images and remote administration of a network camera are possible from anywhere using a standard Web browser on any PC. * Administer and view the images remotely using a standard Web browser on any PC. * Images can be recorded on a hard disk, enabling easy search possibilities, easy storage and no image degradation or wear. * The hard disk can be located at a remote location for security purposes.

Analogue camera-based system Closed circuit. No possibility for remote access.

Ease of use

* Remote administration or monitoring is not easily achieved. *Images must be stored on videotape cassettes, which require constant changing and lots of storage space. The quality of recorded images deteriorates over time. * The videocassette recorder must be located near the camera. This could potentially enable unauthorized persons to have access to the videotape.

Quality

Digital images do not lose quality in transmission or storage. A digital picture is created using Motion-JPEG. Once created, the image is free from degradation. Each frame within a video stream is sharp. Everything needed to stream live video over networks is included in the network camera. Simply connect the network camera to a network. View, record and administer from any networked PC (located anywhere). Simply connect a network camera to the nearest network connection and assign an IP address.

Image quality is lost when using long cables and the resolution of a magnetic tape is normally quite low. In addition, the quality of the recorded video deteriorates over time. Connection to a coaxial cable, to a multiplexer, to a video or time lapse recorder, and to a locally placed CRT (cathode ray tube) monitor.

System requirements

Installation

Attach a coax cable to each and every camera and connect to the multiplexer.

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Cabling One standard UTP (unshielded twisted pair) network cable can forward images from hundreds of network cameras simultaneously.

One cable can transport video signals from only one camera at a time. If you have two cameras, you have to have two cables. This often means large cable trunks filled with thick and sensitive cables that are connected to a locally placed control room. Very difficult. Each analog camera requires its own cable. Image quality is lost when using long cables.

Scalability

Adding more network cameras to the system is easy. When the budget is available add a camera. In fact you can start off with just one camera. You do not even need software just to view. A high quality network cable typically costs 30 to 40 percent less than a standard coaxial cable. A network cable can also support hundreds of network cameras and other devices. An IP-based network infrastructure is often already in place, which means the cost is reduced to only that of the network camera(s).

Cost

Expensive coaxial cables. A classic RG59 75 Ohms coaxial cable typically costs 30 to 40 percent more than a high quality network cable. In addition, more cable is required. Each analog camera requires its own cabling. High labour and maintenance demands, plus cost of the analog camera(s), video tape recorder and videotape cassettes.

Network camera-based system Central Monitoring If the requirements for centralise monitoring became a requirement for schools. Using IPS would be simple to connect individual schools Since the cameras are on a network you could move cameras around to different locations, which are on the same network.

Analogue camera-based system This would be expensive and analogue would have to be converted into digital first.

Movability

To do this would mean a costly visit from an installation company.

Other uses

IP Cameras are not just for looking out for the vandals but are being used for many different applications such as bird boxes, hedgehog boxes, troublesome students, classroom security, even recording a school play. With power over Ethernet the cameras do not always need a 13amp socket close by. The power is sent down the cable

Generally fixed, so this is not possible.

POE

Not possible.

What is the difference between a web camera and an IP camera?

A web camera is connected to a PC, normally through USB, and uses the PC to make video available to other viewers. It will not work without a PC locally connected to the camera. An IP camera usually stands alone, and combines the
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functionality of a high-end web camera, the PC and network interface into one network-ready product.

How much bandwidth does an IP Camera need?

It depends on both the resolution and frame rate. It also depends on the compression technology the IP camera is using. Below are three of the most popular compression technology and the required bandwidth and other important information.
Compression Protocol Compression Rate Resolution FPS Bandwidth Required M-JPEG 6 352 x 288 25-30 fps 1.5Mbps MPEG-2 30-40 720 x 576 50-60 fps 4-15Mbps MPEG-4 200-500 720 x 576 25-30 fps 10K-1Mbps

Please note that 30 frames/s (NTSC) is the required frame rate to provide continuous motion and good quality (DVD like) video.

Bandwidth on the network always has to be a consideration when adding any new system or extension. However unlike CCTV, which offers no functionality, modern cameras allow for extensive adjustment to reduce the impact on the network.

Explaining Power over Ethernet and how does it save me money?

This is an important development in the digital world, which will eventually lead to the mains lead of your laptop being discarded, amongst other things. POE, as it is known, is a way of providing power over the standard computer cable, thus doing away with the need to run separate power cables. It is in its early stages at the moment and its full impact is not yet being felt in the classroom. There is already a new generation of switches, like the ones fitted in your data cabinets, equipped with onboard POE already fitted as just another line of computer sockets. Already schools are being supplied with wireless access systems fitted using POE adaptors saving costs of expensive wiring. Now the good news is that the same applies to most cameras even external ones, so saving considerable amounts of money on a standard installation.

What is the recommended software to use with your IP camera solution?

To ensure future proofing, which could include centralised monitoring or VoIP integration, scalability and larger systems we recommend Milestone software.

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IP Cameras in the CCN environment

There are two key factors to consider when implementing IP cameras on your network, security and bandwidth. Cameras in schools can be broken down into two clearly defined groups Cameras used to monitor the school campus for security. We advise that cameras used for security purposes be implanted on the trusted (Admin) VLAN of the CCN network or their own private network. This will prevent unauthorised access by un-trusted (curriculum) network users. Due to the smaller number devices usually situated on the trusted (Admin) VLAN the cameras are less likely to cause congestion on the network. All schools will currently have a number of ports already configured to be part of the trusted (Admin) network on the top switch in each network cabinet. If more than 5 cameras are to be implemented it would be necessary to add an additional switch, it is advisable not to have this switch uplinked to the rest of the network, thereby keeping the IP camera traffic completely separate, thus avoiding network congestion for trusted (Admin) users. It should be noted that in this configuration normal trusted (Admin) machines cannot access the cameras, so a dedicated IP Camera PC must be connected to the separate switch in order to gain access. Cambridgeshire Education ICT Service may investigate the technical viability of providing remote access to this service as part of CCN services in the future. Cameras used for Curriculum purposes. IP Cameras to which general network users require access, can be hosted on the un-trusted (Curriculum) VLAN as there will usually only be 1 or 2 of these devices, for example in wildlife studies or classroom monitoring. This allows machines on any network in the school to access the Cameras. If more than 5 cameras are implemented on this network it may have a serious impact on network performance and a site survey may be required to devise an alternative solution. Number of Cameras 1-5 1-5 6 10 To one network cabinet 11 + To multiple network cabinets Purpose Curriculum Security Security Security Network Un-Trusted (Curriculum) Trusted (Admin) Private Security Additional Equipment N/A N/A Switch & Management PC Multiple Switchs, Fibre & Management Server

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Summary of IP Camera systems vs. a CCTV system

1. Though initially CCTV may look cheaper, it is old technology with limited features. 2. Power Over Ethernet makes for less complication and less cost. 3. You can start with one camera, (you do not even need software to view) and grow the system as budget becomes available. 4. The picture can be viewed from any computer on your network. You are not tied down to one monitor in one office. 5. Offers the possibility of being viewed from home, utilising staff remote access solution. 6. The CCN network is already in place and may only require a minimum additional amount of cabling. 7. IP cameras offer flexibility and are moveable from one classroom to another or a different location. 8. Offers scalability for remote monitoring in a future BSF or managed service environment. 9. Software allows recording on movement only, minimising recordings, which saves space and eases monitoring or playback. 10. Unlike traditional CCTV, IP Camera systems do not suffer from loss or degradation of signal over the maximum 100 meters Cat 5 cable.

Useful contact information

ICT Service Main Office 42 West Street, Godmanchester PE29 2HJ ict.service@cambridgeshire.gov.uk 01480 376655 Leonard Veenendaal. Technical Services Manager Leonard.veenendaal@cambridgeshire.gov.uk ICT Service procurement team Cambridge Road, Waterbeach sales@ict.ccceducation.net 01223 566456 Anne-Marie Mansfield. Technical Services Project Manager anne-marie.mansfield@cambridgeshire.gov.uk

Schools are reminded of their responsibility to comply with CCN security guidelines, the data and child protection act. Data Protection & FOI guidance on the use of CCTV/IP in schools and a template policy for the use of CCTV/IP cameras in schools available from the portal resource ID: 3456 or contact the Information Governance Team on 01223 717268 for further information.

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